The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
The development of dance in Zimbabwe has been slow and the industry has been failing to establish a footing on the local entertainment scene. However, organisations such as the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ), formally the National Ballet, continue to make their contribution to the art.
DTZ) has been promoting dance at grassroots level for over two decades through their annual show piece — “Stars of Tomorrow”. This show, which gives children between the ages five and 16 a platform, kicked off at Reps Theatre on Wednesday last week and was expected to shut down yesterday.
About 400 participants from various institutions took part in the exciting event. Those who attended were treated to classical ballet, hip-hop, rhythmic gymnastics, tap, modern and contemporary dance displays from the youthful dancers.
DTZ’s outreach programme has also been instrumental in spreading dance to remote areas and institutions catering for underprivileged and disabled children.
The phrase “disability is not inability” sums up the exceptional performance that was put up by one of the beneficiaries of the outreach programme, St Giles Special School, during their set where deaf and physically challenged children took to the stage and showcased their dancing skills.
Other children who took part during the four-day event were from dance institutions including Clare Hingestone’s School of Ballet, Margan Bower’s Studio, Debbie Fleming Dance, M & M Dance Factory, Lifestyle Dance Company and Gail Board man School of dancing, among others.
There were also professional dancers from the National Ballet who staged a set at the end of each performance, a move that was meant to inspire the younger participants. With so much talent on display, it is disturbing to note that not much is being done to support this industry.
As a result, many talented dancers have left the country to pursue their careers elsewhere. Speaking to this publication, one of the participating dance teachers Debbie Fleming shared her views about the show and the local dance industry.
“These kids have been putting up brilliant displays, the talent is so amazing because we even had kids who are as young as three years old also taking part this year,” said Fleming.
She said when the show began, it only showcased classical ballet but they have now incorporated other dance genres.
“Stars of Tomorrow started off featuring classical ballet but over the years, other genres including gymnastics, hip-hop and tap dancing among others, have been brought on board.”
She said there is an abundance of talent in Zimbabwe but most of the exceptional dancers are leaving the country to look for greener pastures.
“We have always had amazing talent in Zimbabwe but because we don’t have anything tangible here to further dancers’ careers, most of them end up leaving.
“If you look at countries like South Africa, people are doing this full time. In the afternoon they go and do classes, they learn their routines and perform on various platforms at night.”
She said there is need to trigger support for the industry so that it can grow to become an income earner.
“Imagine if we can get more people aware of the talent that we are losing and manage to attract their support, we can start more dance companies and this industry can grow.
“Tumbuka has been struggling to keep going but when they are out there, people love them but back home the support is minimal. Fleming said teachers who graduate after taking three-year courses are sent out to various schools in rural areas as part of their outreach programme.
“However, while we would like to promote dance in rural areas or in special needs schools, it all boils down to funding and this has been our biggest challenge.”
She said dance is essential as it helps children develop various skills.
“Dance will boost children’s confidence because sometimes when these kids get on stage for the first time they are overwhelmed but if they can be able to overcome that, it means we have given them a stepping stone to be able to interact with people face to face as they grow older.
“These kids will grow in confidence, they learn teamwork, they have better balance, flexibility, and it helps them concentrate, which can be instrumental in them being able to pay attention at school, among other benefits.”
